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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Original poster

Most retro/dated name you've heard recently

463 replies

atthewelles · 09/01/2013 11:26

I heard a woman in the park calling her little girl Madge. I haven't heard that name in years and years. I also know of a little toddler called Sheila.

Just wondering if any of you know any children with names that you thought had died out completely.

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bealos · 10/01/2013 20:42

mushroomsoup I don't know if I dare say out loud, for fear of a backlash of 'oh no that's awful!'

skyninja heehee to Ralph - I wouldn't have immediately thought Judy Blume til you mentioned it!

skyninja · 10/01/2013 20:38

I also know a baby Ralph, and I'm pretty sure the mother would be of the 'Forever' generation as she's only a few years younger than me. I also know of an Audrey, which is funny because my friend and I always said Audrey was the least baby name we could think of.

marriedinwhite · 10/01/2013 20:37

Eunice Grin

michelleblane · 10/01/2013 20:35

One of my grandsons is Frederick, known as Freddy. He is 3
Isn't one of Lily Allen's daughters called Ethel? I had an Aunt and a G. Aunt Ethel. My middle name is Thelma (after my mother) not one I imagine will return to popularity.

determinedma · 10/01/2013 19:36

Douglas is very common here in Scotland, so doesn't seem retro here. I don't meet many babies but the last ones I've heard of have been Reuben, Lewin, Noah and Martha

MushroomSoup · 10/01/2013 19:34

What is it Bealos?!

bealos · 10/01/2013 19:24

Oh my goodness! I'm 38 weeks and I think I've just found an excellent name on this thread for my soon to be born dd! Now just to convince dp...

MushroomSoup · 10/01/2013 19:21

I have a friend with 3 daughters - Susannah, Esme and Merrie. I love these names!

JesusInTheCabbageVan · 10/01/2013 19:13

Not one I've heard, but I love love love 'Bridie'. Might be the only person in the world under 90 who does though Blush

smegley · 10/01/2013 18:58

i know a 3 year old Colin

Coconutty · 10/01/2013 18:56

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

CremeEggThief · 10/01/2013 18:55

Allofaflumble, my 31 year old sister had a Carol and a Rosalind in her school year in Ireland. Those are the youngest people I know with those names.

DonderandBlitzen · 10/01/2013 18:55

I like Marnie

DonderandBlitzen · 10/01/2013 18:53

There are two Marnies that I know of at my daughter's primary school. (May be more that I don't know of.) One of them has it as the second part of a double barrelled first name though. Won't write the first part as there probably aren't that many kids with that double barrelled first name.

CremeEggThief · 10/01/2013 18:53

DS (10) has a Michael and two Matthews in his school year and had a Douglas in his class in his previous school.

We also know a 5 year old Edgar.

jellybeans · 10/01/2013 18:50

I know a Douglas also; known as Doug or Douggy.

PixieNix · 10/01/2013 18:38

I know a Martha and a Percy both very young!

Allofaflumble · 10/01/2013 18:37

No mention of Rosalind......I so desperately wanted to be called that. It is so romantic and feminine. Sadly am a Carol and I cannot believe that will ever come back, will it?

SomersetONeil · 10/01/2013 17:38

I know a 1YO and a 3YO Lois. It's climbing the popularity stakes.

alemci · 10/01/2013 17:37

My 19 year old is Alice and it was more unusual then but then Adam Faith and Zoe Wanamaker starred in a series around the same time and their baby was Alice so it became popular.

Don't like Marnie or Ethel.

What about Wayne - is that making a comeback (hopefully not)

SomersetONeil · 10/01/2013 17:36

Florence and Beatrice are not retro - they're massively current and very popular! Not a fan of either, but just saying...

Locketjuice · 10/01/2013 17:30

Ernie-Bruce!

bochead · 10/01/2013 17:25

Rose
Charles
Sarah
Matthew

All under 1

Leonard = aged 8
John = aged 7
An Alfred in every class
Patience = age 9
Janet = age 9
David = several aged 9

I notice Tracy and Sharon seem to have died out completely, along with Nigel

Personally I'm in love with Jerimiah and Petrina.

My 21 year old god daughter is called Lois - I haven't met any others and think it's a lovely name.

rainbowsprite1 · 10/01/2013 17:22

I know 2 Florences, a Beatrice & an Ivy

hopeful92 · 10/01/2013 17:17

I know of an 18 month old toddler called Colin!! My friend has also called her baby Grace and I think that's a beautiful name :)